Subject: Weekend Freeway Restrictions in Phoenix Area (March 21-24); Westbound I-10 narrows near Wild Horse Pass Date: Thursday, March 20, 2008 7:27 PM Weekend Freeway Restrictions in Phoenix Area (March 21-24); Westbound I-10 narrows near Wild Horse Pass Several improvement projects will require freeway restrictions in the Phoenix area this weekend (March 21-24). The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) recommends drivers allow for extra travel time while the following restrictions are in place: * Westbound Interstate 10 narrowed to one lane (right two lanes closed) near Wild Horse Pass Boulevard (Chandler area) from 11 p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Sunday (March 23) for pavement repair. Drivers, including those traveling from Tucson to the Phoenix area, are encouraged to allow for extra travel time. Be prepared to slow down and merge safely approaching the work zone. Consider alternate routes. * Westbound Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) ramp to westbound Interstate 10 closed from 11 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (March 24) for bridge work. DETOUR: Drivers are encouraged to use the northbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) to westbound US 60 (Superstition Freeway) as an alternate freeway route to reach westbound I-10. Westbound Loop 202 traffic also can exit at northbound Kyrene Road and use westbound Chandler Boulevard to connect with I-10. * Westbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) left lane closed between Higley Road and Alma School Road (Mesa) from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Friday, March 21 for median improvements. This lane will be closed again from Monday, March 24 through Friday, March 28 overnight between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Drivers urged to slow down and use caution in the work zone. * Interstate 10 on and off ramps at 91st Avenue closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday (March 22) for pavement repair. DETOUR: Drivers should use ramps at adjacent interchanges. * Southbound Interstate 17 narrowed to one lane near Daisy Mountain Drive (Anthem area) from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday (March 22) for survey work for the upcoming widening of the freeway. Drivers urged to slow down and merge safely approaching the work zone. For a complete listing of freeway and highway closures or restrictions across Arizona visit ADOT’s Travel Information site at www.az511.com or call 5-1-1. _____ Spring Fever from the Downtown Phoenix Traffic Lady Spring is officially here. And now that the weather is warming up, hundreds will be checking out the “power of the sun” at the Arizona Science Center for Solar Weekend, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Phoenix Roadrunners will be powering up against the Falcons at US Airways Center Thursday night at 7 p.m. And happy hours could be hot this weekend as March Madness brings sports fans out to Copper Square venues. Traffic Lady is here to put the power in your hands and help you avoid the madness – traffic madness that is. Why? She has the inside scoop on new and current traffic information for getting downtown without a frown. Important Event & Construction Info: Hot off the Wire: New Restrictions! · 2nd St.: 2nd Street will be closed between Monroe and Adams streets from 4am – 8pm on Thurs., March 20 and Fri., March 21. Monroe and Adams streets remain open. Traffic Lady Tip: Use 3rd St. to travel south, or 1st St. to travel north or south. · Washington / Jefferson Streets.: Beginning Mon., March 24, Washington and Jefferson streets will be reduced to one lane between Central Ave. and 1st St. for utility work. This restriction will be set nightly at 7pm or after egress on event nights, and will be removed by 6am for regular traffic. Central Ave. and 1st St. will remain open. This activity is expected to last approximately 1 month. Traffic Lady Tip: Use Adams, Monroe or Van Buren to travel east / west. And Don’t Forget These Ongoing Restrictions… · 1st St.: 1st Street is closed between Van Buren and Fillmore streets for utility work. This activity is anticipated to last through May. Van Buren and Fillmore streets remain open. Traffic Lady Tip: Use 2nd St. to travel north or southbound; or Central Ave. to travel north and 3rd St. to travel south. · Taylor Street: Taylor St. is closed between Central Ave. and 2rd Street during construction of Taylor Place and the Cronkite School of Journalism. Traffic Lady Tip: Use Van Buren or Fillmore Streets to travel east or westbound Support Downtown Businesses! · Our downtown guests are invited to remember that businesses adjacent to restricted streets are open when they head to Copper Square. Your extra effort to visit them will be rewarded with special offers and discounts! Visit the following Web sites to learn more: www.coppersquare.com – visit for a complete listing of coupons, specials and what to do in Copper Square. www.valleymetro.org/METRO_light_rail - download the Metro Max card and view a listing of all businesses along the 20-mile alignment. www.phoenix.gov/freehelp - a listing of businesses along the alignment as well as discounts. Resources: · For complete information on parking, traffic, events and more, check out our website at www.CopperSquare.com or call the Copper Square Ambassadors at 602-495-1500. · For media inquiries only or interviews, call the Traffic Lady directly at 602-320-9100. Have a Great Weekend! Copper Square Traffic Lady Getting you downtown without a frown!